Juli Gummere

Juli Beth Gummere, a cherished soul and beloved friend, was born on August 11, 1959, in Creighton, Nebraska, to Dale and Shirley (Schultz) Hilkemeier. She graduated from Creighton High School. She pursued higher education at the University of Nebraska School of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, where she graduated with a degree in horticulture and began a lifelong love of plants, flowers, and the outdoors.

On November 20, 1982, Juli was united in marriage to the love of her life, David Gummere in Stratton, Nebraska. Together, they created a warm and loving home in McCook, where they built a life filled with love and deep connections. Juli dedicated her career to horticulture, pouring her heart into her work, and generously extended her nurturing spirit to the community by assisting those around her. Her unwavering support enabled many to maintain their independence and enjoy their lives at home for years longer than they might have thought possible.

Juli's love for plants was a gift she shared with her daughter, Nicole, as they cultivated many memories and countless plants at Nicole’s greenhouse, GardenThyme of McCook. Gardening brought her joy, but it was the moments spent in the company of family and friends that truly filled her heart. Juli had an adventurous spirit; she enjoyed concerts and exploring life's many wonders with loved ones. Her creativity flourished in her always evolving crafts, each project infused with her unique touch and vibrant enthusiasm.

Juli will be remembered for a life well lived — she planted and cared for her garden well. She filled it with love, kindness, creativity and, inspiration. Her legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known her.

Juli passed away on March 4, 2026 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. She was 66 years of age.

She was preceded in death by her father, Dale Hilkemeier; mother, Shirley Hilkemeier; father-in-law, Earl Gummere; and brother; Tim Hilkemeier.

Survivors include her husband, David Gummere; mother-in-law, Dorothy Gummere; son, Matt Gummere; and daughter, Nicole (David) Siebrandt all of McCook; sister, Debra (Wally) Sukup of Creighton; and her beloved fur-grandbabies, Winston, Charlie “Peanut”, and Floyd.

Cremation was chosen and a celebration of life service is scheduled for 4:00 PM on Friday, March 20, 2026 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the family of Juli Gummere for future designation. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.

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